Surviving the Unthinkable Essay -- Psychology

We are never truly prepared for a catastrophic event but we spend plenty of time worrying about what we are going to do in one situation or another. We as human beings, much like animals, are hard-wired with survival skills; though sometimes our brains don’t always choose the right response. There are different tendencies the human brain leans toward in a life-threatening event or situation. Situational awareness and normalcy bias are two main tendencies that are displayed in disasters or extreme stress situations. These responses are not only achieved by experiencing a traumatic event but also by high risk activities such as sky diving and skiing. In the following paragraphs I will discuss how the brain responds to catastrophes and risky situations and how it can be a matter of survival and death. We all respond in different ways in the event of a disaster. But there are a few key things that happen to everyone in an event. In the first chapter of The Unthinkable, Zedeno states she was overwhelmed with a feeling of peace and calm when she found herself trapped in an elevator in the World Trade Center during the attempted detonation of a car bomb. During the events of September 11th, it was also pointed out by Zedeno that she observed co-workers making phone calls and shutting down their computers, not realizing the urgency of the situation. In most instances people fall into a kind of fog where they have a hard time focusing on the reality of the situation. This tendency is called normalcy bias. This â€Å"fog† causes people to underestimate the disaster and its effects. People also tend to interpret warnings in the most optimistic way possible, making the situation seem less serious (Spalding). Our brains often perceive danger a... ...om/2006/09/29/world/americas/29iht-profile.2981944.html?pagewanted=2&_r=2>. Spalding, Steven. "Normalcy Bias." How to split an atom. 29 08 2010. Web. 3 Dec 2010. . Swink , David F. "Adrenaline Rushes: Can They Help Us Deal with a Real Crisis?." Threat Management. Psychology Today, January 31, 2010. Web. 3 Dec 2010. . "Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571." Wikipedia. Wikipedia the free encyclopedia, 02-12-2010. Web. 3 Dec 2010. . "Survival Stories #4: Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 Andes Rugby Team Disaster." Spike. Spike.com, 29 08 2009. Web. 4 Dec 2010. .